Purpose The objectives of this study are to analyse the present Malaysian law regarding money laundering, to identify advantages and disadvantages of the current anti-money laundering law, to analyse its impact on the public sector and the private sector and to make recommendations on any improvements that should be made. Design/methodology/approach This study will use a qualitative method where the literature review method applies to collect primary and secondary data regarding anti-money laundering laws. Data has been collected from the various provisions of laws and text reading, such as books, articles, journals, law cases and thesis regarding anti-money laundering laws and those analysed with the content analysis method and the critical analysis method. Findings This study found that Malaysia has one law regarding anti-money laundering and they have control over individual and corporate entities in Malaysia. Originality/value This study found that Malaysia has one law regarding anti-money laundering and they have control over individual and corporate entities in Malaysia.